Serum CA-125 Levels in Women with Uterine Leiomyomata And A Review of The Literature

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether benign uterine leiomyomata results in an elevation of serum CA-125, and whether the weight of the uterine specimen affects CA-125 levels. Study Design: This study was an institutional review board–approved retrospective chart review. The patients ages ranged from 18 to 75 years, and patients were identified as they presented with a large pelvic mass. A serum CA-125 level was drawn as part of the preoperative workup for this study. A Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was calculated for the uterine weight versus the CA-125 level. Results: Forty-five (45) of 77 patients had only leiomyomata at surgery and pathologic exam, and they were the subjects who participated in this study. The patients′ mean uterine weight was 928 g (standard deviation [SD]±691), the mean CA-125 was 17.7 (SD±11.0), and mean patient age was 43 years (SD±8.3). Four (4) of 45 women (8.9%) had an elevated CA-125. The correlation coefficient for uterine weight versus CA-125 level was not significant (R=0.23). Conclusions: Serum CA-125 does not correlate with uterine weight. Few patients with leiomyomata and no other pathology would have an elevated CA-125. An abnormal CA-125 should alert the treating clinician to the potential for a pathology other than leiomyomata. (J GYNECOL SURG 23:19).